From The Vault: How Martin Bain and Sunderland rejected Celtic manager back in 2018 - according to Michael Bridges
and live on Freeview channel 276
Michael Bridges recently claimed Ange Postecoglou was in the frame to take the reins at Sunderland in 2018 before Chris Coleman was handed the job at the Stadium of Light.
The hot seat was vacant following the sacking of Simon Grayson when Sunderland were in the Championship.
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Hide AdIndeed, Postecoglou was recently appointed as Neil Lennon's Parkhead successor at Celtic.
But the 55-year-old Greek-Australian manager was reportedly in consideration by then Sunderland CEO Martin Bain in 2018.
And former Sunderland and Leeds United striker Bridges has revealed that a move was close.
However, he was overlooked by former Rangers’ supremo Bain as he wasn't a big enough name.
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Hide AdSpeaking of Postecoglou, Bridges said: "I've lived here [Australlia] for 12 years, I've seen Ange grow as a coach. I've seen what he's done at club level, with the national team, what he's gone and done in Japan.
"He's absolutely incredible.
"There was an opportunity during the Sunderland Netflix documentary (Sunderland Til I Die), there was a guy there, a CEO called Martin Bain.
"Halfway through the season, I got a phone call off Martin Bain, knowing I was an ex-Sunderland player, knowing that I was living in Australia.
"He wanted a reference on Ange Postecoglou because Ange was in the frame for the job.
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Hide Ad"I gave Ange a glowing report. He (Bain) actually said, 'I don't know, I've never heard of this guy'.
"I said, 'well do your research for one, mate. Have a look at what he's won, have a look at what he's all about. He is perfect for Sunderland football club at this moment in time, he can start you afresh'.
"Their reaction was, 'I need a big name for the fans'.
"That really irked me. I said, 'this guy is a big deal, you've just got to make sure that you're doing it for the right reasons’.
"Lo and behold, who got the job? It was the ex-Wales manager Chris Coleman.
"He didn't change anything and I really felt for Ange."